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CV vs Resume: What Is the Difference and Which One Should You Send?

By Shahriar Islam Ratul4 min read

In Bangladesh people say CV, biodata and resume as if they were the same thing. Internationally they are not, and sending the wrong one can look out of place.

The short answer

  • Resume: a 1 to 2 page summary of your experience and skills, tailored to one job. Standard in the US and Canada and for most private-sector jobs worldwide.
  • CV (curriculum vitae): in the UK, Europe, Bangladesh and the Middle East, "CV" usually means the same as a resume. In academia it means a long document with every publication, grant and teaching role.
  • Biodata: an older South Asian format with personal details like parents' names and religion. Avoid it for corporate and international jobs.

Which one should you send?

  • Private companies in Bangladesh: a 1 to 2 page CV in resume style.
  • US and Canadian employers: a resume, no photo, no date of birth.
  • UK, Europe, Gulf: a 2-page CV.
  • University, research and PhD applications: an academic CV.

Whatever you call it, make it ATS-friendly: one column, standard headings, a text-based PDF.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a CV longer than a resume?

An academic CV is longer. A CV for a normal job in the UK, Bangladesh or the Gulf is usually two pages, close to a resume.

Can I use the same document for both?

Yes for most jobs, as long as you tailor it to the job description and remove personal details that the country does not expect.

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